by Council Staff | Sep 9, 2025 | Add Council Logo, Jim Taylor, Jo-Ann Ryan, Miguel Sanchez, Sue AnderBois
Tonight, the Providence City Council Committee on Finance elected Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5) as its next chair.
Councilwoman Ryan, a former chair of the committee, was reappointed to the panel last week by Council President Rachel Miller to fill the vacancy resulting from former councilwoman Helen Anthony’s recent resignation.
With tonight’s vote, Chairwoman Ryan was selected by her colleagues to lead the committee responsible for the city’s annual budget.
“The Chair of Finance is a critical position,” said Council President Rachel Miller after the vote. “As seen over the last three years, under Helen Anthony’s outstanding leadership, the process of vetting and balancing a budget for the city requires patience, flexibility, some very long hours and the ability to make difficult decisions. I applaud the committee’s decision to entrust Councilwoman Ryan with this crucial role and am looking forward to working with her and each member of the Finance Committee as we work on behalf of residents of the city over the upcoming year.”
Councilwoman Ryan was first elected in 2014 to represent Ward 5, which includes the neighborhoods of Elmhurst, Mount Pleasant, and the western edge of Manton. Ryan was reelected in 2018 and 2022 and previously served on Finance from 2016 to 2023, including as committee chair from 2021 to 2023. During her first stint as chair, Ryan oversaw passage of several annual city budgets and the allocation of more than $100 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding.
“I’m grateful for the confidence of my fellow committee members and Council leadership as I take on this role,” said Ryan of her return to the chair. “City Council has no greater responsibility than to be effective stewards of taxpayer dollars. I intend to lead this committee with transparency and diligence as we work together to build a city that serves the best interests of all of its residents.”
The Committee on Finance is responsible for overseeing all matters relating to city finances, including appropriations for city boards and commissions, major contracts for necessary supplies and services, as well as the city’s annual budget which is presented each spring by the mayor and must be carefully vetted, amended, and advanced to the full council.
Also serving on Finance this term are Vice-Chairman James Taylor (Ward 8), Councilor Sue AnderBois (Ward 3), Councilwoman Althea Graves (Ward 12), and Councilor Miguel Sanchez (Ward 6).
Following the chair election, the committee moved on to a full meeting agenda with Chairwoman Ryan presiding.
by Council Staff | Sep 4, 2025 | Add Council Logo, Jo-Ann Ryan, Rachel Miller
Tonight, the City Council convened for its first full meeting following the August recess. Councilors unanimously passed a resolution sponsored by all 14 members honoring the life and legacy of the late Judge Frank Caprio, who passed away last month. Councilors also formally accepted the resignation of former Ward 2 Councilwoman Helen Anthony, who recently announced her resignation to devote more time to her recovery from a life-threatening accident in June 2023.
Caprio, a longtime public servant and community leader in the city, served on the Providence City Council in the 1960s prior to his widely celebrated nearly 40-year career as a Providence Municipal Court Judge. In a statement after Judge Caprio’s passing, Council President Rachel Miller who, like Caprio, represents the Federal Hill neighborhood, said, in part:
“For nearly four decades as Chief Judge of the Providence Municipal Court, he approached each case with a spirit of mercy that made justice feel human. He believed deeply in the power of education, creating scholarships that honored his own journey and gave Rhode Island students the chance to shape not only their own lives, but the future of their city. Through his work in the courtroom and his dedication to public service, he set a standard for those who follow, showing that leadership is found in how we treat the people we serve. His example will guide our city for generations.”
Also at tonight’s meeting, councilors accepted the resignation of Helen Anthony, who served as councilwoman for Ward 2 from 2019 until stepping down, and passed a resolution declaring the seat vacant and directing the city’s Board of Canvassers to begin the special election process to fill the seat.
Councilwoman Anthony’s departure creates an open seat on the Committee on Finance, which Anthony has chaired since 2023. Council President Miller announced tonight that this vacancy will be filled by Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5), a former Finance Chair.
Additional highlights from tonight’s meeting include:
- Unanimous passage of a resolution introduced by Councilwoman Ryan renaming Obadiah Brown Field, named for an 18th century slave trader, in honor of Armand E. Batastini, Jr., a lifelong Providence resident and community leader.
- Unanimous passage of a resolution introduced by Councilor Miguel Sanchez (Ward 6) authorizing the raising of the Mexican flag outside Providence City Hall in recognition of Mexican Independence Day on Tuesday, September 16th.
- Unanimous passage of a resolution introduced by Councilwoman Ana Vargas (Ward 7) recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated each year from September 15th to October 15th.
- Unanimous passage of a resolution ceremonially renaming Dodge Street in honor of Miss Barbara Thurmond, a longtime community leader and advocate for social justice.
- Introduction of a slew of Tax Stabilization Agreements, which were referred to the Committee on Finance.
El Concejo de Providence Rinde Homenaje a la Vida del Juez Frank Caprio
Esta noche, el Concejo se reunió por primera vez despues del receso de agosto. Los concejales aprobaron por unanimidad una resolución, patrocinada por los 14 miembros, que rinde homenaje a la vida y el legado del difunto juez Frank Caprio, quien falleció el mes pasado. Los concejales también aceptaron formalmente la renuncia de la exconcejala del Distrito 2, Helen Anthony, quien anunció recientemente su renuncia para dedicar más tiempo a la recuperación de su accidente en junio de 2023.
Caprio, un veterano servidor público y líder comunitario de la ciudad, formó parte del Concejo Municipal de Providence en la década de 1960, antes de su reconocida trayectoria de casi 40 años como juez del Tribunal Municipal de Providence. En una declaración tras el fallecimiento del juez Caprio, la presidenta del Concejo Rachel Miller, quien, al igual que Caprio, representa al vecindario de Federal Hill, declaró
“Durante casi cuatro décadas como Juez Presidente del Tribunal Municipal de Providence, abordó cada caso con un espíritu de misericordia que humanizaba la justicia. Creía profundamente en el poder de la educación, creando becas que honraron su propia trayectoria y brindaron a los estudiantes de Rhode Island la oportunidad de forjar no solo sus propias vidas, sino también el futuro de su ciudad. A través de su trabajo en los tribunales y su dedicación al servicio público, sentó las bases para quienes lo seguirán, demostrando que el liderazgo se encuentra en cómo tratamos a las personas a las que servimos. Su ejemplo guiará a nuestra ciudad durante generaciones.”
También en la reunión de esta noche, los concejales aceptaron la renuncia de Helen Anthony, quien se desempeñó como concejala del Distrito 2 desde 2019 hasta su renuncia, y aprobaron una resolución que declara vacante el puesto y ordena a la Junta de Escrutinio de la ciudad que inicie el proceso de elección especial para cubrirlo. Por ley, la elección debe alojarse dentro de los 90 días posteriores a la notificación a la Junta de Escrutinio.
La salida de la concejala Anthony crea un puesto vacante en el Comité de Finanzas, que Anthony preside desde 2023. La presidenta del Concejo Miller anunció esta noche que esta vacante será cubierta por la concejala Jo-Ann Ryan (Distrito 5), expresidenta del Comité de Finanzas.
Otros puntos destacados de la reunión de esta noche incluyen:
- Aprobación unánime de una resolución presentada por la concejala Ryan que renombra el Campo Obadiah Brown, llamado así por un comerciante de esclavos del siglo XVIII, en honor a Armand E. Batastini, Jr., residente de Providence de toda la vida y líder comunitario.
- Aprobación unánime de una resolución presentada por el concejal Miguel Sanchez (Distrito 6) que autoriza el izamiento de la bandera mexicana frente al Ayuntamiento de Providence en conmemoración del Día de la Independencia de México el martes 16 de septiembre.
- Aprobación unánime de una resolución presentada por la concejala Ana Vargas (Distrito 7) que reconoce el Mes de la Herencia Hispana, que se celebra cada año del 15 de septiembre al 15 de octubre.
- Aprobación unánime de una resolución que renombra solemnemente la calle Dodge en honor a la Srta. Barbara Thurmond, líder comunitaria de larga trayectoria y defensora de la justicia social.
Introducción de una serie de Acuerdos de Estabilización Fiscal, que fueron remitidos al Comité de Finanzas.
by Council Staff | Aug 21, 2025 | Add Council Logo, Rachel Miller
Council President Rachel Miller and members of the Providence City Council commend the historic contract ratified by SEIU 1199NE workers at Butler Hospital and applaud that, following sustained pressure from Council leadership, the City of Providence today dropped all $500 noise citations levied against striking workers.
Throughout the three month strike, Council members marched the picket line, passed a resolution in support of the workers, and repeatedly condemned the City’s issuance of punitive fines. Today, the City’s Law Department formally dismissed the charges—a clear win for workers’ rights and free expression in Providence.
“Butler workers stood together for their families, their co-workers, and their patients, and the City Council was proud to stand with them every step of the way,” said Council President Rachel Miller. “Earlier this week, we celebrated the ratification of a contract that meaningfully improves their lives. Today, we welcome the reversal of unjust noise citations that should never have been issued. $500 fines could not quiet the striking workers, whose tenacity and solidarity led directly to a strong new contract. When the City punished workers for raising their voices, we raised ours, and I’m happy today to see the penalties dropped.”
The new four-year contract raises wages by up to $5/hour, protects health coverage, strengthens workplace safety, and secures retirement and education benefits. By the end of the agreement, no worker will earn less than $20 per hour. Members of the Providence City Council congratulate SEIU 1199NE workers on this hard-fought victory and remain committed to defending workers’ rights, supporting healthcare staff, and holding institutions accountable when they retaliate against organizing workers.
by Council Staff | Aug 20, 2025 | Add Council Logo, Rachel Miller
Today, the City of Providence lost one of its giants, with the passing of former Chief Judge of the Providence Municipal Court Frank Caprio. In response, Council President Rachel Miller released the following statement:
“My colleagues and I mourn the loss of Judge Frank Caprio, a man whose life reflected this city at its very best. Raised in Federal Hill, the lessons of his family and his neighborhood guided his every decision, bringing fairness and understanding to the courtroom and earning respect from well beyond Providence’s boundaries. For nearly four decades as Chief Judge of the Providence Municipal Court, he approached each case with a spirit of mercy that made justice feel human. He believed deeply in the power of education, creating scholarships that honored his own journey and gave Rhode Island students the chance to shape not only their own lives, but the future of their city. Through his work in the courtroom and his dedication to public service, he set a standard for those who follow, showing that leadership is found in how we treat the people we serve. His example will guide our city for generations. On behalf of the City Council, and as the councilor representing Judge Caprio’s dear Federal Hill, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. This city will never forget him.”
by Council Staff | Aug 1, 2025 | Blog, Rachel Miller
Driving in Providence presents the same difficulties found in any city—dense traffic, limited parking, and the risk of getting a ticket. When it comes to dealing with these tickets, the Providence Municipal Court, under the oversight of the city council, has gone to great lengths to make things easier for the public to navigate.
One example of this is a recent push to ensure that dealing with the court is as easy as possible for as many residents as possible. From recent census data, we know that more than 1 in 5 Providence residents speak a language other than English. That’s why Chief Judge John Lombardi, Court Administrator Elisabeth Bettis, and Council President Rachel Miller have led strategic efforts that prioritize accessibility and equitable systems.
Under the leadership of Council President Miller, the city’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget allocated funds for a bilingual clerk and public defender at the Municipal Court to address criminal justice inequality. Additionally, Chief Judge Lombardi and Bettis have ensured that the public has quick and easy access to support in over a dozen languages through a third-party service. Whether or not someone speaks English, Municipal Court staff provide necessary support to ensure that the public can review, pay, and dispute tickets.
While the court can be a daunting place, thanks to the hardworking city workers who show up every day for Providence residents, members of the public can feel confident that when they do need to stop by the court they will be treated with dignity and fairness. In everything they do, Bettis and court staff keep the public’s needs and experience front-of-mind.
The effort to create streamlined, accessible systems has also extended beyond the walls of the Municipal Court. When a December 2023 audit revealed major customer service issues with a third-party vendor, action was swift and decisive. For council members and Municipal Court leadership alike, the treatment of constituents under the third-party system was unacceptable. Since then, Municipal Court has moved all constituent calls in-house, and the clerks have taken on the task of addressing callers with the kindness and respect that the public deserves.
Beyond the regular operations at the Municipal Court, the Providence Public Safety Complex offers a variety of other public services and support. In dangerously high summer temperatures, the building serves as a cooling center. A community board is regularly updated with a range of helpful resources in several languages. Every day, the dedicated public servants at the Municipal Court are advancing public safety initiatives in Providence without compromising the public’s well-being.
To get help with a ticket or to contest a violation, call the Municipal Court at 401-680-5000 or visit in person at 325 Washington Street, Providence, RI 02903.
